Our School

Our School

Kars on the Rideau Public School is an exciting place to be. Our programs include Early French Immersion from SK to grade 8, Middle French Immersion for grades 4 to 8, as well as the regular English program for JK and grades 6 to 8. Core French is offered every day to students in the regular English program. We welcome students from Manotick Public School and North Gower/Marlborough Public School in grade 6. Once our students complete grade 8, most of them move on to South Carleton High School in Richmond or Osgoode Township High School in Osgoode. We provide a welcoming learning environment. We strive to develop, in all our students, citizenship, social responsibility, critical thinking skills, creativity, and academic growth to meet established learning expectations, as well as a lifelong love of learning. The staff at Kars on the Rideau Public School is committed to providing a positive, caring, and safe environment for all students. A wide range of learning experiences and activities are offered, which include partnerships with the community, and the integration of technology within the curriculum.

Our Students

Kars on the Rideau Public School has a total enrollment of close to 700 students. We serve the communities of Kars, North Gower, Osgoode and Manotick. Most students are bused to school from villages and rural areas within our boundaries. We encourage our students to get to know peers at all grade levels and pisions, and many shared activities have been initiated to facilitate this process, such as common assemblies, reading buddies, school-wide events, etc. Students participate with enthusiasm in a variety of clubs, athletic teams and fundraising initiatives.

Our Staff

Kars on the Rideau Public School has 60 staff members, including administrative staff, custodial staff, Teachers, Educational Assistants, Early Childhood Educators, Lunch Room Monitors, Library Technicians and an Early Learning Assistant. The staff at Kars on the Rideau Public School strives for excellence. They have a range of professional experiences and various qualifications which allow them to challenge the students to put forth their best efforts socially, academically and physically. They provide a wide variety of learning activities to help our students extend their interests, develop their skills, and exercise their leadership qualities. They take pride in promoting spirit and positive school culture. Our educators seek professional development opportunities through workshops, boardwide in-service, summer courses and professional readings.

Our Community

The Kars on the Rideau Public School community is extensive, as our students come from rural areas approaching Burritt’s Rapids in the south, to near Riverside South going northward. We also receive students from Kars, Manotick, Osgoode and North Gower. The school itself has spacious grounds that are used by the community for such activities as track and field, basketball, soccer, and baseball. The school openly welcomes volunteers, who participate in school activities such as the Welcome BBQ, the Early Literacy Program, fundraising events, field trips, the Annual Book Fair, the Turkey Luncheon, hot lunches, and school greening, to name a few.

Our School Council is highly supportive and is dedicated to strengthening educational opportunities and partnerships with the community. All parents are invited to participate in the activities of the School Council and to provide their helpful expertise. School Council Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm in the library. The School Council meets monthly during the school year to:

Identify, discuss and seek solutions to issues affecting the quality of education.

Participate in the preservation of safety and maintain the quality of the school environment, promote effective communication between parents, teachers and the community. In addition, School Council members undertake a number of special events to nurture the community spirit at Kars on the Rideau and to raise funds for program enrichment. The Council takes on responsibility for recruiting and organizing volunteers to support programs both in and out of the classroom. Our parents are actively involved in their children’s educational life and provide continuous support. The notions of family and community are highly valued at our school.

Mission Statement

We endeavour to develop, in all our students, social responsibility, critical thinking skills, creativity, academic growth and success, as well as a lifelong love of learning. We encourage an atmosphere of courtesy and mutual respect.

Facilities and Resources

Two computer labs equipped with PCs

Library equipped with both English and French books

Large gymnasium • Small gymnasium

Two Soccer Fields

The Learning Yard and Butterfly Garden

Three playground structures

Paved spaces for games, e.g., four square

Ball Field

New basketball court

Two science labs

Art room

Music room

Extensive green space

Programs and Services

Academic Programs

JK and grades 6 to 8 Regular English Program

Early French Immersion Program SK to 8

Middle French Immersion Program grades 4 to 8

(Core French is delivered to all Regular English classes and English to French Immersion is taught in all immersion classes)

We are into our second year of All Day Learning in Kindergarten, as well as the Extended Day Program (before and after school) for students from JK to grade 5.

Classroom Organization

Regular English:

2 x JK

2 x grade 6

2 x grade 7

2 x grade 8

Middle French Immersion:

1 x grade 4 / 5

1 x grade 6

1 x grade 7 / 8

Early French Immersion:

2 x SK

2 x grade 1

1 x grade 1/2

1 x grade 2

1x grade 2/3

1 x grade 3

2 x grade 4

2 x grade 5

2 x grade 6

2 x grade 7

2 x grade 8

Special Education and ESL Programs

For the most part, Special Education support is delivered in the classroom in an inclusive model. Our Learning Support personnel provide support in academic and organizational skills development. Our Special Education and Support Staff includes 1.5 LSTs (Learning Support Teachers), a LRT (Learning Resource Teacher), and two EAs (Educational Assistants). Gifted programming is also offered through an inclusive model in the regular classroom.

Clubs and Activities

Clubs rotate during the year and may include.

Knitting Club

Recycling Helpers

Chess Club

Choir

Young Authors’ Club

Computer Club

Ski Club

Silver Birch Reading

Outreach

Talent Show

Student Council

Kids Marathon Club

Varsity sports

Intramural sports

Lunchtime sports

Gym Club

Band

Dance Club

Lego Club/Kinex

Grade 8 Committee

Art Club

Fun in the Sun

Safe Schools Initiatives

Code of Behaviour

Kars on the Rideau Public School has an expectation that students adhere to the Code of Behaviour. A copy is printed in the student agenda.